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Centurion (VAN040) Spotlight

includes one Centurion Mk 5 tank

Of the many nicknames that the tankies of the 1st Armoured Regiment acquired from the infantry, the most unkind was probably ‘koalas’ (a reference to koalas being a protected species, not to be sent overseas, and not to be shot at), a reference to them not being sent to Vietnam until 1968. The ‘turret heads’ dealt with that nickname in their first battle, and after that the infantry requested tank support whenever contact with the enemy was expected.

Check out the Centurion in the online store here…

The regiment’s flag bears the colours brown, red, and green, based on the Royal Tank Regiment’s motto: ‘From Mud, Through Blood to the Green Fields Beyond.’ They certainly found plenty of mud and more than enough blood in Vietnam, although their losses during their rigorous training were higher than their losses in Vietnam itself.

Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by James Brown

Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
The Centurion in ‘Nam
Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Contents of the Centurion Blister
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
Centurion Tank
Description of Components
a. .30 cal AA MGs.
b. Loader turret hatch.
c. Right-hand side rear mudguard.
d. Left-hand side rear mudguard.
e. Right-hand side front mudguard.
f. Left-hand side front mudguard.
g. Closed turret cupola.
h. Open turret cupola.
j.
.30 cal ammunition can stowage piece
k. Jerry can stowage piece.
l. Tank commander figure.
m. Main gun.
n. 2x Spare road wheels.
o. Additional fuel tank.
p. Turret stowage rack.
q. Left-hand side track
r. Right-hand side track.
s. Resin hulls & turret.

 

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Walker Bulldog (VAR001) Spotlight

Includes one Walker Bulldog Tank

Each armoured regiment fielded a Chi Đoàn Chiến Xa (pronounced chee doh-ahn chee-an sah), a squadron of M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tanks.

Check out the M41A3 Walker Bulldog in the online store here…

Given the Republic of Vietnam’s limited technical capabilities, the American M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tank was well suited to the war in South Vietnam. They were armed and armoured well enough to deal with most Viet Cong forces, while being easy to maintain.

When the ARVN cavalry faced North Vietnamese tanks for the first time during Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos, they discovered that tactics could compensate for their light armour, while their long 76mm guns could penetrate any enemy tank they faced.

Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by James Brown

M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
The Walker Bulldog in ‘Nam

M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Contents of the Walker Bulldog Box Set
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
ARVN Tank Painting Guide
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)

 

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Assault Support Patrol Boat (VUSBX15) Spotlight

 

ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) Includes one Assault Support Patrol Boat boat.

The Assault Support Patrol Boats (ASPB) were known as Alpha boats, owing to the A-designation on their hull numbers. They were the only boat in the MRF purpose built for the riverine mission.

Check out the Assault Support Patrol Boat in the online store here…

The Alpha boat entered service in September 1967 and became known as the Brown Water Navy’s “destroyer”. It was lighter and faster than the Monitor, the MRF’s “river battleship”, but it still packed quite a punch, with two .50-calibre heavy machine guns, 20mm cannon and multipurpose 81mm mortar for indirect fire. Each river division could rely on eight ASPBs to lead patrols upriver.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
The Assault Support Patrol Boat ASPB

Length:

50’ 1” (15m)
Beam: 15’ 2” (4.6m)
Draft: 3’ 6” (1m)
Displacement: 58,500lb (26.5 tonnes)
Speed: 16 knots (30km/h)
Crew: 6
The Assault Support Patrol Boat in ‘Nam
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
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US Monitor Boat (VUSBX13) Spotlight

 

Monitor (VUSBX13) Includes one Monitor boat with optional zippo turrets and command tent .

The Monitor was based on the ATC, but the boat’s ramp was replaced with a blunt-shaped bow and the forecastle extended. Known as the MRF’s “battleship”, it could carry a large number of weapons. A river division had up to three available for operations to provide serious firepower to patrols.

Check out the Monitor in the online store here…

Monitors were heavily armored, and normally mounted the largest guns of all riverine warships. The name originated from the US Navy’s USS Monitor, which made her first appearance in the American Civil War, and being distinguished by the use of revolving gun turrets.

The Monitor could call on some formidable weaponry, including a powerful turret-mounted 40mm gun, three 20mm cannon, and a multipurpose 81mm mortar. And that’s not even mentioning the Zippo variant, with two fearsome flame-throwers.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

Monitor (VUSBX13)
The Monitor Monitor

Length:

61’ (18.5m)
Beam: 17’ 6” (5.3m)
Draft: 3’ 6” (1m)
Displacement: 169,000lb (76 tonnes)
Speed: 8.5 knots (16km/h)
Crew: 11
The Monitor in ‘Nam

Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
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Patrol Boat (VUSBX12) Spotlight

 

PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) The Patrol Boat, River or PBR, was a small rigid-hulled patrol boat that was the mainstay of Operation Game Warden. PBRs did not usually operate with the Mobile Riverine Force; their mission was to interdict illicit waterway traffic and provide intelligence to the navy. Occasionally, this mission would overlap with the Mobile Riverine Force’s mission and the two would cooperate.

Check out the Patrol Boat in the online store here…

The PBR was usually manned by a 4-man crew. Typically, a First Class Petty Officer served as boat captain, with a gunner’s mate, an engineman and a seaman on board. Each crewman was cross-trained in each other’s job in case one became unable to carry out his duties. Generally, PBRs operated in pairs under the command of a patrol officer, who rode on one of the boats.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)

The PBR (Patrol Boat, River) Mk II PBR

Length:

31’ 11” (9.8m)
Beam: 11’ 7” (3.5m)
Draft: 2’ (60cm)
Displacement: 16000lb (7.25tonnes)
Speed: 28 knots (52km/h)
Crew: 4

The PBR in ‘Nam

 
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)
With a shallow-draught fibreglass hull and water jet drive, the PBR could operate in the shallow, weed-choked rivers of the Mekong Delta. The dual 180hp pump-jet drives, which could be pivoted to reverse direction, made the boat extremely fast and nimble. PBRs did not have much in the way of armour protection – just some shielding for the .50-cal machine guns and upright steel armour plates in the midships. Instead, the boats were designed to rely on acceleration and maneuverability to get out of trouble.
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12) PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)

Contents of the PBR box

Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
PBR (Patrol Boat, Riverine x2) (VUSBX12)
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M114 155mm Firebase (VUSBX10) Spotlight

 

Includes one Gun section with three M114A1 155mm howitzers with crew & three Large six-hole bases.

Development of the 155mm howitzer M1 began during the late 1930s, when the United States Army determined it needed a new medium field artillery piece to replace the World War One vintage howitzer M1917.

Check out the 155mm Field Artillery Battery in the online store here…

The 155mm used separate loading ammunition comprised of four components: a projectile, a separate bagged propellant charge, a fuse and a primer. The propelling charge contained individual bags of powder, which could be reduced depending on the range of the target. The projectiles weighed 95lb each with the fuses placed in the base of the projectile after a ring used for shipping was removed. The primers were placed in the breech of the gun for firing. The 155mm howitzer typically fired 80% or more HE (high explosive) shells, however, it could also fire smoke or white phosphorus shells.

In 1962 the designation system for artillery changed and the 155mm howitzer became known as the M114A1 155mm howitzer. The change in designation didn’t detract from its performance in any way during the course of the conflict in Vietnam.

Gun designed by Evan Allen & Seth Nash
Crew designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Mark Hazell

The M114A1 155mm Howitzers
155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10)
The M114A1 155mm Howitzer in Flames Of War Vietnam
155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10)
155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10) 155mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX10)
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
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M101 105mm Firebase (VUSBX09) Spotlight

 

includes one Gun section with three M101A1 105mm howitzers with crew & three Large six-hole bases.

The M2A1 105mm howitzer was the mainstay of the United States artillery units during World War Two. First entering production in 1941, it quickly gained a reputation for its high degree of accuracy and exceptional firepower.

Check out the 105mm Field Artillery Battery in the online store here…

Despite being developed during the 1920s, the gun didn’t enter go production due to the surplus number of World War One vintage 75mm field guns that were still in service. The project was put on hold till the United States entered World War Two in 1941. Designated as the 105mm howitzer M1, further refinements were made during the course of the war with various designations. However, in 1962 the designation system for artillery changed and the 105mm M2A1 howitzer became known as the M101A1. The change in designation didn’t detract from its performance in any way during the course of the conflict in Vietnam.

While the M101A1 howitzer has been retired by the United States military; it continues to see service with many armed forces spanning the globe.

Gun designed by Karl Cederman
Figures designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Mark Hazell

The M101A1 105mm Howitzers
105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09)
The M101A1 105mm Howitzer in Flames Of War Vietnam
105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09)
105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09) 105mm Field Artillery Battery (VUSBX09)
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
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M109 (155mm) Spotlight (VUS150)

 

Includes one M109 (155mm) Self-propelled gun with M108 (105mm) option, four Vehicle commander figures

The M108 (105mm) and M109 (155mm) are the latest self-propelled artillery pieces in the US Army. Initially, the lighter M108 was preferred for its ability to carry more ammunition and the relative ease of resupply. Later they were phased out in favour of the more effective M109, as the supply problems were reduced when operating from fire support bases.

Check out the M109 (155mm) in the online store here…

Deployed in static firebases they provided long-range fire support for troops put in the field as well as much-needed defensive firepower when PAVN troops came out of the jungle.

Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by Andrew Agutters

The M109 (155mm) in ‘Nam
 
The M108 (105mm) in ‘Nam
 
M109 (155mm) M109 (155mm) (VUSBX08)
M109 (155mm) M109 (155mm)
M109 (155mm) M109 (155mm)
M109 (155mm) M109 (155mm)
M109 (155mm) M109 (155mm)
Contents of the M109 (155mm) Box Set
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
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M113 Platoon Spotlight (VUSBX07)

 

includes four M113 plastic sprues with options for M113, M113 ACAV, M125 (81mm), M106 (4.2in) & M132 Zippo, four M113 Commanders, four M113 Drivers, four Optional M125 / M106 crew & one M113 decal sheet.
Extensively used in Vietnam, the M113 proved to be a solid workhorse capable of breaking through the heavy jungle and transporting infantry through to enemy positions.

Check out M113 Platoon in the online store here…

The M113 APC (armoured personnel carrier) was developed to fill the same role as the WWII M3 half-track carrying infantry up to the edge of the battlefield safe from artillery and long-range fire.

In Vietnam, the mechanised infantry battalions used their M113 ‘tracks’ much more aggressively.

Plastic M113 designed by Will Jayne
Crew designed by Evan Allen
Painted by James Brown
The M113
The M113 with Okinawa Turret
The M113 with M40 106mm Recoilless Gun
The M113 with M134 Minigun
The M113 ACAV with .50 cal MG
The M113 ACAV with Mk 19 40mm MG
The M132 Zippo
The M125 (81mm)
The M106 (4.2in)
Contents of the M113 Platoon Company Box Set
Please contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
Description of Components
a. 4x Plastic weapons sprues. b. 4x Plastic hull components sprues.
Description of Components
A. 4x M113 Commander figures.
B.
2x M113 mortar crew figures
C.
2x M113 mortar crew figures holding mortar projectile.
D. 1x M113 Driver head sprue.
 1x M113 decal sheet.
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M551 Sheridan Spotlight (VUS002)

Includes one  M551 Sheridan

The M551 Sheridan was developed as an amphibious cavalry tank or air-landing tank capable of tackling Soviet tanks. As a result its main armament was an anti-tank missile launcher that could also fire conventional shells. Getting this complex weapon system to work delayed the introduction of the Sheridan, but it finally reached Vietnam in 1968. Once there, its crews liked its firepower, speed, and ability to cross flooded rice paddies, but missed the thick armour of the much heavier M48 and its ability to smash its way through thick jungle.Check out the M551 Sheridan in the online store here… 
The M551 Sheridan was made of light aluminium alloys, like the M113, giving it considerable mobility. It combined this with the punch of a 152mm gun capable of firing ‘beehive’ canister rounds.

Designed by Tim Adcock.
Painted by Mark Hazell.

The M551 Sheridan
The M551 Sheridan in Flames Of War
Contents of the M551 Sheridan Box Set
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.